Destination information
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the high life or the wildlife, you’ll find it all in South Africa with a wonderful array of cuisine and fine wines and the huge diversity of wild animals you’ll see on safari. With so much variety, a holiday here really does offer a world in one country.
Whether you’re watching lions in Kruger Park, or whales on the Garden Route, the wildlife in South Africa is amazing. From the mountains of Drakensberg to the beaches of the Cape, the scenery is stunning, and from bungee jumping to shark diving, the opportunities for adventure are many and varied. If you like to shop, you can hit the malls in cosmopolitan Cape Town, stroll the Indian bazaars in Durban and pick up traditional crafts in Zulu villages. Fans of fine food and wine can enjoy seafood in Cape Town’s waterfront restaurants, savour curry in Durban and sip wines in the Cape vineyards. If you’d like to explore the different cultures and their histories, there are plenty of opportunities for that, too. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, and admire ancient cave paintings in KwaZulu Natal. Your only problem when planning a holiday in South Africa will be fitting in everything you want to do!
some useful info
visa requirements
British citizens do not require a visa, however, please note that your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the South Africa entry stamp. British visitors without a free blank page in their passports will be denied entry.
time difference
GMT +2 hours
currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
distances
South Africa is a large country covering over 470,000sq miles. Distances between destinations can be considerable, so it is worth taking some time to plan your route. For instance, Johannesburg to Kruger National Park takes approx 5 hours. Cape Town to Knysna takes approx 5 hours. Please refer to individual pages under ‘location’ for the approx driving times.
roads
A self-drive holiday is a great way to explore this rainbow nation. The road network is superb and well maintained, they drive on the left and the signposting is generally good, so it is hard to get lost.
electricity
South Africa’s electrical current is 220-230 volts and has unique round 3-pin plugs, so if you want to recharge your electrical equipment, you will need an adaptor. These are readily available in South Africa.
wild animals
Look from a distance and respect their space. Please do not feed any wild animals.
tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated. In restaurants 10-15% is the norm. On game drives a guideline is ZAR50 per drive.
what to pack
Clothing - South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere and the seasons fall in opposite months to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer runs from Nov-Feb. The temperatures can vary greatly within South Africa, so it’s important to take into consideration the season and the region when you pack! On safari, neutral coloured, lightweight clothing that you can layer are best, and take a warm fleece or jacket for the mornings and evenings which can get cool, particularly in winter. A waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes are also essential! For city hotels, bars and restaurants, smart/casual attire may be required. Remember a camera with plenty of film/batteries, binoculars, torch, suncream, sunglasses, sun hat and insect repellent are also recommended.
Sightseeing ideas
- Beautiful scenery
- Superb food & shopping
- Game Reserves
- Culture & history
- Adventure
Getting there
flight details
Direct Virgin Atlantic flights to Johannesburg depart daily from London Heathrow. Direct Virgin Atlantic flights to Cape Town depart daily (Nov-Mar) from London Heathrow. Direct South African Airways flights to Cape Town depart daily from London Heathrow. For even more flexibility, call us for options to fly with KLM via Amsterdam, Qatar Airways via Doha or Emirates via Dubai.
flight upgrades
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy available from £255 supplement per person each way.
flight times
Approx 11 hours to Johannesburg.
Approx 1 hour to Mpumalanga, Durban or Port Elizabeth from Johannesburg.
Approx 12 hours to Cape Town.
Approx 1 hour to George from Cape Town.
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Different destinations have different magic touches so make sure to check out the "Rockstar Service" to see what makes your holiday with us so special.
Additional info
wildlife
For the record, the 'Big Five' are lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Of course, there’s lots more to see, from antelope to zebra. The biggest, most famous reserve is Kruger Park, but there are lots more. On the Garden Route, visit the amazing Addo Elephant Park. Spot rhino at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and seek the 'Big Five' in a compact area at Pilanesberg. Many parks are in child-friendly, malaria-free areas.
scenery
From the beauty of Table Mountain in Cape Town (taking the cable car is cheating!) to the beaches of the southern coasts, South Africa offers a breathtaking abundance of gorgeous landscapes. Few places in the world can offer so much diversity of scenery in a holiday. One day you could be driving past flower-filled fields and dramatic coastlines on the Garden Route, the next admiring the jagged Drakensberg Mountains.
culture and history
The fascinating histories of the country's different cultures can be explored all over South Africa. In culturally cosmopolitan Cape Town, take the boat trip to the former prison at Robben Island to learn about the privations suffered by Nelson Mandela and his fellow ANC leaders. Explore the battlefields of KwaZulu Natal, see ancient San cave paintings and learn the myths and legends of traditional tribal cultures.
adventure
In South Africa, the great outdoors really is great. Walk up Table Mountain in Cape Town for sensational views. Get your kicks with the world's highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, on the Garden Route. You can explore the mighty Zambezi and its wildlife by canoe, ride the rapids on the Sabie River or walk down a rock face. Whatever your choice of thrill, Southern Africa has it covered.
shopping
In Cape Town, you’ll find huge modern shopping malls where you’ll doubtless be able to pick up some bargains. Check out the impressive, 400-outlet Canal Walk Century City. Durban is famous for its Indian influence, and in Dr Yusuf Dadoo street you can wander the bazaars, buying spices and beautiful textiles from the local vendors. In the Zulu craft markets you could pick up a drum, a shield or maybe some pottery.
cuisine
If you like food and wine, you'll love South Africa. You could be washing down fresh sushi in Cape Town's V&A Waterfront with a bottle of sparkling Chardonnay from the nearby vineyards. You might be enjoying the famous oysters in Knysna, savouring fine dining in Stellenbosch, or chewing on biltong in a Zulu village. Wherever you go, you’ll find some mouth-watering culinary experiences on offer.